Comcast promises to invest in Asian-American programming

Comcast has promised to make new investments in Asian-American programming if its merger with NBC Universal is approved.

The company has pledged to expand distribution of Asian American owned-and-operated and targeted programming.  

It also promised to launch a new Video OnDemand offering called "Cinema Asian America."

The company negotiated the 16-page "memorandum of understanding" with the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition, signing it on Wednesday.

Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.), chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, commended the effort. 

"For too long, mainstream media has silenced Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by stereotyping our communities as kung-fu fighters, math nerds, and dragon ladies with one-dimensional personalities," he said.

Honda said Comcast's investments "raise the bar" for the entire industry.